New York City

New York City, also known as the Big Apple, is one of the most iconic cities in the world. It is the largest city in the United States and a hub of culture, finance, and media. Here are four things you should know about the city that never sleeps:

Diversity: New York City is one of the most diverse cities in the world, with a population of over 8 million people representing more than 200 different languages. According to the New York City Department of City Planning, the city is home to more foreign-born residents than any other city in the world, and nearly 40% of the population is foreign-born.

Landmarks: The city is home to some of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, including the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. In addition, there are countless other landmarks and attractions, from Times Square to the Brooklyn Bridge, that draw millions of visitors each year.

Food: New York City is a foodie’s paradise, with a diverse array of cuisines from around the world. From classic New York-style pizza to ethnic dishes from Chinatown and Little Italy, there is no shortage of delicious food to be found. The city is also home to some of the world’s top-rated restaurants, including Eleven Madison Park and Per Se.

Culture: New York City is a cultural capital, with world-class museums, theaters, and galleries. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Whitney Museum of American Art are just a few of the many museums in the city. Broadway is home to some of the most popular musicals and plays in the world, and the city also has a thriving independent theater scene.

While New York City is a hub of culture and diversity, it is not immune to the issue of human trafficking. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, New York City had the highest number of reported cases of human trafficking in the United States in 2019, with a total of 667 cases. These cases ranged from sex trafficking to labor trafficking, and many of the victims were immigrants.

In an effort to combat human trafficking, New York City has taken a number of steps to increase awareness and prevention. The city’s Department of Youth and Community Development runs a program called the “New York City Youth Against Sexual Trafficking (NYCYAST)” to educate young people about the dangers of human trafficking and how to avoid becoming a victim. The city has also established the Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking, which works to coordinate citywide efforts to combat trafficking and provide services to victims.

Despite the challenges, New York City remains a vibrant and dynamic city that draws people from around the world. As we continue to work to address issues like human trafficking, we can also celebrate the rich culture and diversity that makes the city so special.

 

 

Tarrant County 5 Stones November 2023 Meeting
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Tarrant County 5 Stones November 2023 Meeting

Here is our recorded meeting link and chat notes for our November 2023 TC 5 Stones meeting! Our 5 Stones meeting this November consisted of some law enforcement updates, a year-end review, and an awards presentation celebrating some of our amazing community influencers. Link to the recorded meeting: The chat log is how our online audience is able to introduce…

Hochul signs bills to combat human trafficking – The Gloversville Leader Herald
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Hochul signs bills to combat human trafficking – The Gloversville Leader Herald

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a package of bills into law Wednesday that aim to combat human trafficking and expand the state’s anti-human trafficking task force and length of duty. The group of six bills will require Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, commercial service airports and bus stops, MTA facilities, truck stops and…

UN Report Urges End to Forced US Prison Labor—a ‘Contemporary Form of Slavery’
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UN Report Urges End to Forced US Prison Labor—a ‘Contemporary Form of Slavery’

A report published Thursday by United Nations human rights experts condemns systemic racism in the U.S. criminal justice system and policing, while describing “appalling” prison conditions and decrying forced unpaid convict labor as a “contemporary form of slavery.” The U.N. International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in the Context of Law…

“Dead Man Walking” at Sing Sing
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“Dead Man Walking” at Sing Sing

Photograph by Karen Almond / Courtesy Met Opera The epigraph to Sister Helen Prejean’s book “Dead Man Walking,” published in 1993, is from “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”: “I went right along, not fixing up any particular plan, but just trusting in Providence to put the right words in my mouth when the time come:…

Union Square Cafe partners with top NYC restaurants for a new fall fest
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Union Square Cafe partners with top NYC restaurants for a new fall fest

The folks behind Union Square Cafe are going all in on philanthropy this fall—literally. For its upcoming “All In” fall festival, Danny Meyer’s flagship restaurant will be partnering with teams from local restaurants on Sunday, September 10, to benefit three great charities: Drive Change, a paid fellowship for formerly incarcerated youth that focuses on culinary training and professional development.; Emma’s…

New tax, mandatory human trafficking training for Central Va hotels starts July 1
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New tax, mandatory human trafficking training for Central Va hotels starts July 1

RICHMOND, Va. — Hotels in Central Virginia will begin charging an additional 2% fee on nightly rates starting Saturday. The Richmond Tourism Improvement District (TID) impacts hotels in Hanover, the town of Ashland, Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield with 41 rooms or more who will implement the new tax. The funds will go to Richmond Region…

Tarrant County 5 Stones June 2023 Meeting
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Tarrant County 5 Stones June 2023 Meeting

Here is our recorded meeting link and chat notes for our June 2023 TC 5 Stones meeting! Our 5 Stones meeting this June consisted of some law enforcement updates and then a panel discussion of how trafficking and trauma interrelate.  Experts on the panel included Rev. Yevette Christy,  Servant-Survivor; Heather’Amelia Johnson, LPC; Mridu Adhikari, MSW; and Carolina Utz, CSC,…

Testimony by Tara Lee Rodas for The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement
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Testimony by Tara Lee Rodas for The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement

Editor’s note: We are non-partisan. Children are being hurt. Please, watch, read, learn, and act accordingly. Hearing Date: Wednesday 04/26/2023 – 3:00 PM Hearing Location: 2141 Rayburn House Office Building The hearing, “The Biden Border Crisis: Exploitation of Unaccompanied Alien Children,” will examine the unprecedented surge of unaccompanied alien children at the southwest border and…

More Models Come Forward With Disturbing Claims of Sex and Labor Trafficking
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More Models Come Forward With Disturbing Claims of Sex and Labor Trafficking

  Kaja Sokola, one of the women who came forward with accusations against Harvey Weinstein during the #Me Too movement, says that the culture of the industry still provides men like Weinstein special access and proximity to the young models, many of whom are still teenagers launched into New York City with essentially no adult…

Non-profit 'Inktensions' offers free tattoos for those hoping to heal past trauma – ABC7 New York
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Non-profit 'Inktensions' offers free tattoos for those hoping to heal past trauma – ABC7 New York

ByEyewitness News | Wednesday, April 12, 2023 1:46AM CHELSEA, Manhattan (WABC) — Two tattoo artists in Chelsea are offering trauma survivors an opportunity to heal. Five months ago, Emmanuel Fortunato and Koral Ladna started a non-profit called ‘Inktentions’ that gives free tattoos as a form of therapy. They hope that the tattoos will help those…